Jock Talk: Winter sports kick off this week

With the fall sports wrapping up at area high schools, winter sports kick off this week with senior girls’ basketball.

Oak Bay’s senior girls get things going by welcoming Royal Bay for a doubleheader at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 5, before heading to Mt. Douglas Secondary Thursday, Dec. 7 when the girls will hit the floor for a 5:45 p.m. start to the double-header.

In boys play, Oak Bay High has the week off but local players at St. Michaels University School start their season Tuesday, Dec. 5 by hosting Claremont in a doubleheader at 7:30 p.m.

After making a splash in the pool last weekend during the Canada West Championship, the University of Victoria swimmers are back at it for the UVPCS Christmas Cracker meet, Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday, Dec. 10 at Commonwealth Pool.

From the pool to the pitch, the Vikes cross town to take on James Bay this Saturday, Dec. 2. Kick-off is at 2:30 p.m. Getting the field warmed up, the UVic Premier Reserve team faces James Bay’s Premier Reserves at 12:30 p.m.

In U18 men’s rugby competition, playoffs have the Castaway Wanderers welcoming Cowichan to Windsor Park Sunday, Dec. 3 for a 2:30 p.m. start. Come cheer on the home team!

Soccer is back in a big way this week in Oak Bay.

In Oak Bay men’s play, the Bays United FC MB team starts the week Friday, Dec. 1, taking on Vic West on at 6 p.m. at the Oak Bay High pitch. Next up, the Div. 1 Bays United FC welcomes Nanaimo United FC for an 8 p.m. kick-off at Oak Bay.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Division 3A Bays United FC faces Cowichan FC at 6:45 p.m. at the Oak Bay High field.

In women’s soccer action, the Div. 1 Castaways FC heads to PISE Friday, Dec. 1 to face Vic West United at 6 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Div. 1 Bays United FC hosts the Juan de Fuca FC at 2:15 p.m. at Oak Bay High School.

Turning to Junior B hockey, after starting their week in Nanaimo, the Victoria Cougars head to the Q Centre Wednesday, Dec. 6 when they take on the Westshore Wolves at 7 p.m.

Come Thursday, Dec. 7, the Cougars return home to take on the Saanich Braves at 7 p.m. at Archie Browning arena.